Newman University introduces ‘Johnny Jet’ to Wichita Community

Newman University welcomed a new fan to its sidelines Monday night, Sept. 27, with a touch of fanfare. The university, after going years without a mascot, introduced aviator "Johnny Jet" to the crowd gathered at the women's home soccer game.

Johnny made his entrance at halftime via helicopter by DWTA Helicopter Services of Wichita to the delight of the crowd and to the tune of "Danger Zone."

Johnny Jet arrives at Newman

Newman student Katlyn Mercer was the lucky winner of an Ipad given away at the pre-game tailgate party as part of a mascot naming contest. Newman University conducted a community contest to suggest names for the mascot. Names were collected online and at the Kansas State Fair. The result was 464 entries from across the state. A committee then narrowed the entries to the top three suggestions and forwarded them to university leadership for the final decision. Once the winning name was selected the individuals suggesting that name were entered into a drawing for the Ipad. Fifteen different people submitted some form of the name "Johnny."